Seattle Branch Blog Posts

In two and a half hours you can learn what you need to know to get started as a hike or backpack leader with The Mountaineers. Then, start leading trips to share your love for wild places with our members eager to get outside. Join us August 4 to learn more. Read more…

If you have been looking through our day hikes for the past few years, you've probably clicked on a hike that was part of the Island Hike Series. These trips varied in mileage and location, but were united by the common common theme of exploring new island trails (and having a ton of fun while doing so). Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to .... Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to .... Read more…

Summer is the busiest time for travelers. In fact, 400% more people make trips to the northwest from July-October than during winter. Read more…

At The Mountaineers, we've believe venturing into the outdoors is an essential piece of the human experience. We go outside to wander and explore the adventurous spirit within ourselves. It's important to implement low-impact recreation skills to keep our wild places as sanctuaries for the human spirit; so our grandchildren can experience the sensation of discovering an untouched place. Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to .... Read more…

It's easy to forget that many of our beloved trails and historic structures are maintained by volunteers. The Mountaineers have a long tradition of stewarding these places, and the tradition grows stronger every day - as long as you get involved! Consider being a part of history and join us on a stewardship activity this summer. Read more…

Did you miss the chance to attend our Progressive Climbing Education listening sessions? Please use this survey  to give us your input! Read more…

I am confident that you and I have at least two things in common: 1) we both set aside time to explore the outdoors, and 2) at some point during these adventures we will both experience the discomfort of knowing we have to go number two. Even if you don't, you will inevitably be reminded of this basic human function by the sight of toilet paper discarded uncomfortably close to trails and water sources. By the amount of TP I have seen recently on Washington’s trails, it seems even the most avid outdoor enthusiasts may not know how to handle nature’s calling. Read more…

The BeWild Speaker Series, presented by adidas outdoor, welcomed Mountaineers Books author, climber, and blogger Brendan Leonard on May 19, 2016. He shared personal stories of passion and adventure with us, inspiring the room of attendees to get out there and try something new.  Read more…

Fred Beckey got his start climbing with The Mountaineers in the 1940s, and went on to establish himself as the original dirtbag. We don't need to tell you he's a legend, and we're excited to invite you to a Kickstarter Launch Party for the brand new documentary, "Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey". Read more…

The Mountaineers offers the Basic Alpine Climbing Course in five of our seven branches. In this course, students learn the basic skills needed to climb peaks in the Cascade and Olympic ranges. In addition to learning skills, students become part of a climbing community and often connect with lifelong climbing partners. As we near the end of May, our courses are wrapping up their skills sessions, and the climbing season is beginning! Check out the experience that Seattle student, Cody Golden, wanted to share: Read more…

With the release of our new edition of 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, we are carrying an important stewardship legacy forward. It’s time to celebrate!  Read more…

One of the most valuable parts of the Wilderness First Aid course is the scenario practice sessions. In these scenarios, teams of students must respond to simulated backcountry emergency first aid situations. We're in need of volunteers to help with our May 9 WFA by play-acting as victims. You will get very fun and realistic accident make-up (moulage) and will be given a script for a role-play situation. Read more…

The BeWild Speaker Series, presented by adidas outdoor, started with a bang on April 15, 2016. We welcomed Sasha DiGiulian, a world champion climber, who shared personal stories of passion and adventure. She's an impressive young lady. Read more…

SheJumps and The Mountaineers are pleased to present Wild Skills Day again this year - a free day camp for young girls (age 6-12) to learn the skills they need for outdoor adventuring. Read more…

We're hosting an end of season potluck for everyone involved in the 2015-2016 Seattle Snowshoe Program. We will congratulate this year's graduating Basic Snowshoe, Backcountry Snowshoe Skills, Winter Camping students, and offer up a big thank you to our volunteer Instructors, Trip Leaders, and Committee members. Read more…

I found out about The Mountaineers Basic Photography Course from a photographer and instructor from Vashon Island. I had never heard of The Mountaineers prior to taking his composition class. I had a good eye for what makes a photo interesting, but didn’t really know anything about the settings on my camera. I just shot in automatic and hoped for the best. Read more…

In the event of any cardiac emergency,  FIRST CALL 911.  

Then, fetch the Philips HeartStart Automated External Defibrillator (AED), now available in the Seattle Program Center near the lobby drinking fountains. Read more…

Over 545 days between July 2, 2011 and December 28, 2012, Australian adventurer Cam "Swami" Honan completed an amazing - almost superhuman - feat: through-hiking 12 of the most iconic long trails in 29 US states and 4 Canadian provinces. In the process, he set records for the most miles hiked in a calendar year (10,204 in 2012), the fastest completion of a calendar-year Triple Crown (PCT, CDT and AT in 236 days), and the most dehydrated beans consumed in an 18 month period (123.7 lbs)! Read more…

Beginning Monday, February 8, Sand Point Way NE will be closed to ALL traffic for a retaining wall replacement project. Traffic will be rerouted to 35th Ave. The main 74th street entrance to the program center will be OPEN during this time. Read more…

Starting in Spring 2016, The Mountaineers will be offering Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Responder Recertification courses!  Read more…

The Photography Committee has been holding a basic photography course for many decades, changing with technology as necessary. Because of these advancements, we have made the course shorter, splitting it into two class types and focus on digital cameras. These courses are now offered three to four times each year instead of once a year. Read more…

Did you know that the Photography Committee holds monthly potlucks where members showcase their photos? It's a great way to see what other members have been doing while giving ideas of places to go to enjoy to enjoy the great outdoors. Read more…

We're excited to welcome local climber and author Blake Herrington to Washington's cadre of self-published guidebook authors! You've seen his work in Alpinist, Climbing, and Rock & Ice magazines as well as numerous websites and newspapers. And he's just completed a new guidebook, Cascades Rock: The 160 Best Multipitch & Alpine Routes in Washington  and Southern BC. Join us on March 22 as he presents his new guidebook at the Seattle Program Center.  Read more…

Join the Seattle Branch as we recognize the outstanding achievements of all of our Mountaineers volunteers. The event will feature guest speaker James Edward Mills, author of The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors. The event is open to volunteers across the entire organization and tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Read more…

Early altimeters with 19 jewels and Swiss-made movements were price-prohibitive and thus weren’t included in either The Mountaineers navigation courses or the Ten Essentials. However, with new technology emerging, the upcoming  9th edition of Freedom of the Hills  will feature map, compass, and all of the modern tools with altimeters prominent among them. Read more…

Grab your outdoor bucket list and adventure buddies to tune into a night of human-powered winter celebration, with ten edge-of-your-seat films celebrating backcountry skiing and other adventures! Read more…

FIELD TRIP LEADER
Subject suffered 2nd degree rope burns on fingers due to losing control of assisted rappel during two-person self-rescue simulation. Location was the South Plaza climbing area at the Mountaineers Clubhouse. First Aid was cold water bath for several hours. Formal medical treatment not required/sought. Subject was able to participate fully in seminar next day wearing gloves, full recovery within one week. Read more…